POST office customers are being urged to have their say on controversial plans to axe branches in Warwickshire.

A six-week consultation period has been launched by Royal Mail.

Bosses at Stratford District Council have united to slam Royal Mail's latest wave of proposed closures.

But alternative arrangements have been proposed for the district.

And, as reported in yesterday's Telegraph, residents in Rugby and Warwick districts have also vowed to fight plans to shut post offices on their doorsteps.

It could mean 14 post offices in Warwickshire are shut by as early as October.

The two branches in Stratford that have made the hitlist are Broome Post Office, in High Street, Broome, near Alcester, and Bridgetown Post Office, in Tiddington Road, Stratford.

But the Post Office proposes providing alternative arrangements to help communities access facilities.

Despite the prospect of more essential services being eroded, council chiefs say they have secured alternative arrangements for those villagers hit hardest.

Outreach post office services will be run for part of the week in the following areas: Brailes, Ilmington, Long Compton, Preston-on-Stour, and Wilmcote.

The scheme could see counters being installed in shops, cafes, and church halls. A mobile service could also be employed, as well as a phone service which would see products delivered to doorsteps.

Stratford district chief executive Paul Lankester said: "Stratford-on-Avon District Council regrets any decision that reduces vital services to rural communities.

"It is important to maintain services in rural communities to ensure villages remain vibrant."

Councillor Les Topham, Stratford District Council's leader, said: "Many residents value their post office, particularly the elderly and more vulnerable and this has been proven with the out-reach post offices in the district."

Royal Mail has pointed to a steep decline in business for the closures. It says 1,600 post offices serve fewer than 20 customers a day, with each transaction costing taxpayers £8.

All opinions should be sent by post to: Mark Partington, Network Development Manager c/o National Consultation Team, Freepost Consultation Team. Or you can e-mail consultation@postoffice.co.uk , or call the helpline on 08457 22 33 44.